Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
Is it not a pity how the people of Zimbabwe have been duped not once, but twice? The first betrayal came from figures like Cecil Rhodes and his clansmen, who, under the guise of imperialism, promised development and progress but instead exploited the land and its resources for their own gain. Today, a similar betrayal unfolds, this time at the hands of those who once fought for liberation. Ironically, it is fellow black Zimbabweans who have perpetuated this cycle of deception, leaving many citizens feeling disillusioned and betrayed.
In the late 19th century, Rhodes and his associates entered Zimbabwe, then known as Southern Rhodesia, with promises of prosperity. They claimed they would bring civilisation, education and economic opportunities to the indigenous population. However, the reality was starkly different. The colonisers seized land, exploited natural resources and established a system that benefitted a small elite while disenfranchising the majority. This period of exploitation sowed the seeds of distrust among the people, an attitude that has persisted through generations.
Fast forward to the post-independence era, where the promise of liberation ignited hope among Zimbabweans. Leaders such as Robert Mugabe emerged as icons of resistance, rallying the populace with the promise of a better future. Many believed that independence would usher in a new era of equality, justiceband economic stability. However, as the 45 years have passed, it became increasingly evident that the liberation struggle had merely replaced one form of exploitation with another. Politicians who once championed the cause of the oppressed began to enrich themselves at the expense of the very people they vowed to uplift.
The transition from liberation fighters to self-serving politicians has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Zimbabweans. Corruption has become endemic, with leaders amassing wealth while the majority struggle to make ends meet. Promises of economic reform and social justice have been replaced by a culture of patronage and nepotism. The very institutions that were meant to serve the people have been warped, prioritising the interests of the elite over the needs of the populace.
It is not just the economic betrayal that stings, it is the erosion of trust in leadership. Zimbabweans are now acutely aware of the duplicity of politicians who continue to recite the mantra of liberation while engaging in practices that undermine the very principles of freedom and equality. This betrayal has manifested in widespread apathy and disillusionment. Many citizens have lost faith in the political process, believing that no matter who is in power, the outcome will be the same, a perpetuation of the status quo.
The ramifications of this disillusionment are profound. A generation that once believed in the dream of a prosperous Zimbabwe is now questioning the very foundations of their society. The youth, disenchanted by the empty promises of their leaders, are increasingly turning to alternative means of expression and activism. Social movements and grassroots organisations are emerging, challenging the narrative that has dominated Zimbabwean politics for decades.
This cycle of betrayal that has ensnared Zimbabweans is a tragic reflection of a deeper systemic issue. The hope that once accompanied liberation has been overshadowed by the reality of disillusionment. As Zimbabweans grapple with this legacy, the question remains, how can they reclaim their narrative and rebuild a nation that truly serves its people? Only time will tell if the spirit of resistance can be rekindled, leading to genuine change and accountability in leadership.
Izvi hazvichaita.

Pindula News

Zimbabwe has been betrayed twice - first by colonisers who promised prosperity but exploited the land, and now by politicians who are corrupt and self-serving. People once hoped for a better future after independence, but leaders became greedy and only cared about themselves. This betrayal has made many Zimbabweans lose trust in their leaders and the political system. The youth are now looking for new ways to make a change. Will Zimbabweans be able to break this cycle of betrayal and rebuild a nation that truly serves its people? Only time will tell.

Zimbabwe’s Cycle of Betrayal

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the remains of British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes can be exhumed from the Matopos National Park in Matabeleland South and sent to Britain.
Mnangagwa said this while addressing chiefs at the annual Chief’s Conference in Harare on Friday.
He said the remains of the founder of the former British colony, Rhodesia, were of no importance to the country and should be sent to the United Kingdom and Britain should reciprocate by repatriating the remains of Chimurenga heroes. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
We still have Rhodes’ remains in Matobo. What do you think about it? If you go to the shrine, you don’t know whether you are talking to Rhodes or our ancestors.
His remains must be returned to where he hailed from and we can also have our ancestral remains which are being kept in Europe.
</blockquote>
In 2012, the late former president Robert Mugabe blocked war veterans and ZANU PF members from exhuming his remains, saying his legacy was part of the country’s history.
Rhodes (1853-1902), was an imperialist, a businessman and a politician who was shipped to Africa as a young man due to poor health.
He played a dominant role in southern Africa in the late 19th Century and was at the forefront in the annexation of the greater part of the region for the British Crown.
Rhodes envisioned an uninterrupted railway link stretching from Cape Town (South Africa) to Cairo (Egypt) — the entire north to south controlled at the time by the British Empire.
Rhodes died aged 48 at his seaside cottage in Muizenberg, Western Cape, South Africa, and was buried at World’s View, a hilltop located approximately 35 kilometres south of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
<h4>More: <a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2021/12/19/take-rhodes-remains-to-europe-mnangagwa/">The Standard</a></h4>

Mnangagwa: Rhodes' Remains Must Be Returned To Britain

Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda called on youths to emulate the entrepreneurial skills of Cecil John Rhodes.
Rhodes came to South Africa as a young nonentity but went on to establish the British South Africa Company, a huge corporation which could fund the British Empire’s activities.
General Sibanda also called on youths to have a sense of patriotism and direction.
He said this while delivering his speech as guest of honour at the Young Farmers Association inaugural independence dinner in Harare last week. Said General Sibanda:
<blockquote>You should nurture good entrepreneurial skills and commitment such as those possessed by Cecil John Rhodes, who while in his 20s and 30s, incorporated the British South Africa Company (BSAC) and its subsidiaries that structured the trade of major commodities for international markets.
Most of our young people have lost their sense of patriotism and direction. Our people have also lost their sense of patriotism.
I don’t worship Rhodes but where we need to use him as an inspiration then let’s do so.</blockquote>
General Sibanda called upon the Ministry of Agriculture to support youths through programmes such as Command Farming.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zim-army-general-rhodes-can-be-an-inspiration-to-the-young-generation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe</a></h4>

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